Laiba Ijaz Case Update: Islamabad Police Investigation

What happened

The investigation into the suicide of 23-year-old Laiba Ejaz has taken a turn, as Islamabad police linked the prime suspect, Nauman, to an older fraud case in Mansehra involving alleged fake Pakistan Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) recruitment letters. Laiba was found hanging from a tree at a weekly market in Islamabad’s G-10 sector on October 9. According to police, she had apparently died by suicide after becoming distressed over an alleged financial fraud involving Rs5 million.

Islamabad police allege that Nauman had taken the money from Laiba and her family by promising to secure her admission to a university in the United States. The documents provided to support the promise were later found to be fake, according to the police account. During the investigation, officials reportedly uncovered information linking Nauman to a separate alleged recruitment scam in Mansehra, where a family claimed to have been cheated through promises of jobs in the Pakistan Army and the ISI.

Who is affected

The two cases involve different alleged victims, but both feature accusations of financial deception through promises supported by documents that were subsequently found to be fake. The family in the Mansehra case claimed to have paid millions of rupees to secure military and intelligence jobs for 12 people. Laiba’s family was also allegedly deceived by Nauman, who promised to secure her admission to a university in the United States.

The alleged fraud came to light after the family received appointment letters dated December 3, 2024, according to the FIR. The documents purportedly related to appointments in the Pakistan Army and the ISI. The complainant said the family was later instructed to meet Nauman in Rawalpindi. Nauman was reportedly unavailable when the victims arrived, and contact with the suspects eventually broke down.

Key dates and details

The incident in the Mansehra case reportedly occurred in July 2024, but the FIR was not registered until August 27, 2026. Sultan Muhammad said the family initially tried to recover its money directly from the suspects. The case relates to an alleged incident in July 2024, although FIR was registered on August 27, 2026, after a complaint to the District Police Officer (DPO) Mansehra.

According to an FIR registered at Mansehra City police station, Nauman allegedly worked with his brother, Waqas Malik, and two other suspects to convince a family that they could secure appointments for 12 people in the Pakistan Army and the ISI. The complainant, Sultan Muhammad, alleged that Nauman’s sister-in-law visited his home and told the family that Nauman had previously served with the Army’s Triple Three Brigade and was then working as an assistant director in the ISI.

What you should do

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a similar scam, it is essential to report the incident to the authorities immediately. The Islamabad police and other law enforcement agencies are taking steps to investigate and prevent such scams. It is crucial to be cautious when dealing with individuals or organizations that promise jobs or admissions in exchange for money.

It is also essential to verify the authenticity of documents and credentials before making any payments. The alleged scams in the Laiba Ijaz case and the Mansehra case highlight the importance of being vigilant and taking necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to financial deception.